California Genealogy

Well know and highly respected, and remembered especially for his sterling character and benevolent nature, Larkin S. Bunyard, early El Monte pioneer, was born in the blue grass state, November 11, 1812. In about the year 1835, Mr. Bunyard was married to Miss Frankie Stewart, a native of Tennessee.

El Monte’s first constable was Barney (“Bud”) Bryant who came to California in about 1854 and who was among the first pioneers of this district. He was born in Milan County, Texas, December 19, 1840, accompanying his parents to California when in his early teens.

Another El Monte Pioneer of the covered wagon days was Charley Blackley, who was born in England in 1830. Coming to the United States when a small boy, his parents settled in Illinois, where Charley Blackley was educated in the public schools. In about the year 1857, Mr. Blackley was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Johnston, a native of Arkansas, whose parents were El Monte pioneer settlers of the early fifties.

Bearing the distinction of being the first white child in El Monte, Moses C. Cuddeback was born January 22, 1853 or 1854. At the time, his parents were living with the family of Nicholas Smith on Valley Boulevard in an adobe house. Moses C. Cuddeback was the son of Grant P. and Almira Cuddeback, their native state being New York. History tells that the family came to California in 1850.

Among the first settlers in El Monte was Grant P. Cuddeback. He was born in New York State July 1, 1820, the son of Peter and Clarissa Cuddeback. At El Monte, February 2, 1852, he was married to Miss Elmira Hale, of whose parents there is no record available. To Mr. and Mrs. Cuddeback were born six children.